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95% graduates employed
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Top 10 Catholic universities globally
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Top 40 young universities worldwide
Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Laws
Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 3 locations
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Duration
- 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- QTAC code
- 116301
- ATAR
- 75.00 for Brisbane
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025Applications open August 2024Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025Applications open April 2025
Overview
Theology is fuel for an inquisitive mind, and lawyers are inquisitive by nature. By combining law with a theology degree you will be equipped to stand up for people in need and causes that matter. This unique double degree provides a legal education informed by Christian values and an education in theology that is orientated to the professional values and practice of law. The degree focuses on ethical behaviour, social justice, the common good and the law’s interaction with theology.
Students who have completed 120 credit points of law units with a grade point average of 5.75 and above may apply to complete an honours degree.
Professional experience
You will complete 80 hours pro bono experience (after your first year).
Work placement
As part of this degree you complete 80 hours of pro bono work (after your first year), providing you with firsthand experience of the legal system while allowing you to contribute to the common good.
Volunteer experience
The pro bono program provides practical work place based experience in a community context.
Professional recognition
This degree has been approved by accreditation authorities as a prerequisite for admission to legal practice in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, and is recognised for the purposes of admission in other Australian states and territories.
Careers
In addition to the wide range of careers open to graduates of the Bachelor of Laws, completion of this double degree is excellent preparation for careers in:
- teaching
- work in church agencies and ministries
- chaplaincy
- social inclusion
- pastoral work
- social work
- research
- journalism and media
- administration and public relations
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Laws, a student must complete 400 credit points (cp).
Available Major(s)
-
Christian Thought
The Christian thought major sequence explores the nature and meaning of Christian faith in Jesus Christ as articulated in the Christian creeds, and celebrated through the way in which Christians understand and live out their faith in different contexts. You’ll engage with a contextual and critical examination of beliefs central to the Christian tradition: the significance of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, the implications of faith in Christ for belief in God, and understandings of creation, human personhood, sin, salvation, the church, and the eschaton. You’ll consider these beliefs from varying theological perspectives, and in light of historical and cultural questions. Topics include the trinity, Christology, ecclesiology, theological anthropology, eschatology, and Christian spirituality.
Biblical Studies
Engage with the Bible within the context of its ongoing significance for the Christian community and the role it plays in the Christian tradition. In the biblical studies major sequence you will explore the background, history, culture, literary character and religious message of biblical texts, as well as their application in contemporary contexts. Develop a critical reading of the biblical text as sacred scripture, and broaden and deepen your engagement with the Bible in a spirit of open and critical inquiry by drawing on a wide range of tools of interpretation.
Available Minor(s)
-
Christian Thought
Biblical Studies
Engage with the Bible within the context of its ongoing significance for the Christian community and the role it plays in the Christian tradition. In the biblical studies minor sequence you will explore the background, history, culture, literary character and religious message of biblical texts, as well as their application in contemporary contexts. Develop a critical reading of the biblical text as sacred scripture, and broaden and deepen your engagement with the Bible in a spirit of open and critical inquiry by drawing on a wide range of tools of interpretation.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
New South Wales | English (Standard) (Band 3) or English as an Additional Language (EAL) (Band 4) |
Queensland | English (Units 3 & 4, C) |
Victoria | Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English. |
International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Overall score: 7.0 Individual score of: 6.5
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- 65 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills
Test of English as a Foreign Language – Academic (TOEFL)
- Internet based total of 94: minimum 24 writing, 20 speaking and listening and 19 in reading
ACU English Language Test
- A (75-100%)
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- Overall CAE score: 185. Minimum score of 176 in all tests
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course:
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
A student who has completed at least 120 cp of LAWS units of the degree with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.75 may be eligible for Admission to the Bachelor (Honours degree).
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
A student who achieves an Honours at a minimum level of Second Class Division A (Distinction average) may be eligible for Admission to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Meeting the eligibility requirements for admission is not in itself a guarantee of admission. The candidate’s potential to undertake research, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the availability of appropriate supervision and the referee’s reports will all be taken into consideration. Please refer to the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must comply with the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
Fees
Course costs
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Staff Profile
Dr Patrick Quirk
Associate Professor, Thomas More Law School
Dr Quirk is Associate Professor at Australian Catholic University Brisbane Campus. He holds degrees in law and arts from the University of Queensland, as well as a Master of Civil Laws (Magister Legum) from the University of Tübingen, Germany, which he completed by coursework and thesis (in German). He took his Ph.D. from the University of Adelaide, with additional supervision from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Patrick's thesis on "Pathways for Conscience Protection in Law: German, American and Australian Perspectives" was awarded a Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence.
Following graduation, Patrick was admitted to the Queensland Bar and later practised as a solicitor at a large firm in Sydney, NSW. Patrick has also taught at Bond University Law School, Ave Maria School of Law and the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C. He teaches and writes on various commercial and civil law areas, including the U.S. Uniform Commercial Code, the law of electronic commerce, and law & religion.
Dr Perla Guarneros
Lecturer, Thomas More Law School
Perla is a full-time academic at Thomas More Law School where she teaches contract law, family law, legal ethics and legal theory, among others. Her research interests include international human rights law, the rights of irregular migrants and international criminal law.
Perla was admitted to legal practice under Mexican jurisdiction in 2008. She holds an LLM from the University of Turin and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute; and an LLM in common law by La Trobe University in Australia, where she completed her PhD Thesis on the protection of the rights of transit migrants and the international responsibility of the State to protect them. This work is now being edited to turn it into a monograph.
Before coming to Australia, Perla worked as a legal counsel and barrister in Mexico; she was a legal officer at the National Human Rights Commission and then at the human rights branch of the Attorney General's Office in the Federal Government of Mexico.
She is an editor of the Australian Feminist Legal Journal; and is currently involved in various research projects within the Thomas More Law School.
Testimonial
“When I found ACU was offering a dual degree in law and theology, my search was over. I was amazed at the prospect of being able to complete two degrees in a five-year period, and the fact that I could study degrees that appealed equally to my passion for justice and faith sealed the deal. I found law and theology inform one another.
Since graduating, I have been working full-time in litigation. The legal curriculum at ACU was invaluable in giving me the knowledge I needed to start my career. Studying at ACU was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much, made amazing friends, and was always treated with kindness by staff.”
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